Health & Safety
Being a Military Dad and an Advocate for my Son
Being a Military Dad and an Advocate for my Son
Being a father is a tough job. As a father in the military, there are numerous opportunities and times where being a father can be overwhelming. It can sometimes feel like the role of father is completely forgotten, which can lead to even more stress.
Probably the thing that causes me the most stress as a father is figuring out where, when, and how I can get the services that my son requires and then how to maintain those services. My son, Joshua, was born with Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). As a result of this pre-birth infection, Joshua has many challenges. He is legally deaf and legally blind, and he suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Being a military dad means I need to be responsible for these elements in addition to the pressures of a military career, including extended deployments in an environment that has few available resources.
For me personally, finding a way and moving forward means advocating for Joshua and all special needs children and families in the military. As is the nature of the military, we transfer every 2-4 years. But I am privileged to say that the bonds that I have established with these other Dads do not know distance. I am still in phone contact with some of them. I am humbled by being selected as the 2011 Military Fatherhood Award winner, sponsored by the National Fatherhood Initiative, and being selected as a Champion of Change.
Feeding New Life
Today’s my birthday. When someone asks me how I’m doing, “alive and grateful” is my typical response. As I reflect on my life and the anniversary of my birth, I can’t help but be grateful to those who brought me into this world – my mother and father. When I woke up this morning, I went into my son’s room to look at him still sleeping. Fatherhood is one of the best presents I could ever have wanted.
Most parents want nothing but the best for their child or children. We all confront obstacles and challenges in making that come true. One way to give children a great foundation for life is to have their moms breastfeed them. An array of evidence points to the positive benefits of breast feeding, not to mention the cost savings. For example, breastfed babies have lower rates of childhood obesity and their moms have lower rates of certain cancers.
We recently recognized National Breastfeeding Week, but the effort to have dads support the mothers of their children in breastfeeding continues. Although this is one task in child rearing we cannot do, dads have a particularly important role in support and encouragement. I was thrilled that my wife breastfed our two kids. She was pleased with the tangible and intangible benefits for her and the kids.
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In response to President Obama’s call for a national conversation on responsible fatherhood and healthy families, learn how you can join the President's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative.
Información en Español
En respuesta al llamado del presidente Obama para una conversación nacional sobre la paternidad responsable y las familias saludables, aprender cómo usted puede unirse a la Iniciativa Presidencial de Padres y Mentores.
